Police hunt for driver following deliberate hit and run

Local police are hunting for a hit and run driver who deliberately mounted a pavement in Oxgangs Gardens to run down a 41-year-old man.

The attack happened around 5.45pm on Monday. Tyre marks could still be seen on the grass yesterday and the road was strewn with broken glass.

The attacker left his Renault Clio at the scene and fled on foot as locals chased him and shouted at him to stop.

One witness said: “He was standing on the grass. There was some kind of altercation between him and the young fellow driving the car.

“The car drove up on to the grass and hit the man, throwing him on to the bonnet and into the windscreen.”

The victim was treated by paramedics and rushed to hospital with police closing off the area to examine the crime scene and the vehicle involved.

The victim was left with leg and head injuries. Several people ran to help him and the emergency services were called.

Witnesses said the man was mumbling and disorientated. One added: “He was saying, ‘Where am I?’ He was obviously in a lot of pain and was screaming.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Officers in Edinburgh are investigating after a Renault Clio was driven at a 41-year-old man in Oxgangs Gardens. The incident resulted in the victim sustaining serious injuries to his leg.”

Witnesses described the driver as a young man with potentially curly hair.

Anyone with information that can assist officers with their investigation is asked to come forward by phoning 999.